West Nile virus shows up in 3 Colorado counties

DENVER — Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus have been found in Delta County on Colorado’s western slope and in Larimer and Weld counties in the northern part of the state.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced the positive test results Tuesday.

No cases of human illness have been reported in Colorado.

Health officials say it’s time to take precautions against West Nile virus, such as wearing insect repellent, to avoid mosquito bites while outside.

Certain birds carry West Nile virus and it’s transmitted to people by bites from mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds.

Getting sick from West Nile virus is preventable. In addition to using insect repellent, health department officials say precautions against the disease include the following five “D’s”:

• Drain standing water in your yard weekly, since that’s where mosquitoes lay eggs. Drain tires, cans, flower pots, clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, toys and puddles.
• Dusk and dawn are when mosquitoes that carry the virus are most active, so limit outdoor activities or take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
• DEET is an effective ingredient to look for in insect repellents. Always follow label instructions carefully.
• Dress in long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk or when in areas where mosquitoes are active.

Learn more about how to prevent West Nile virus here